Stockton's Crown Jewel The Bob Hope/Fox California - Hardcover

Friends Of The Fox

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0977055205 ISBN 13: 9780977055203

Publisher: Friends of the Fox, 2005

Synopsis

The Bob Hope (Fox California) Theatre in Downtown Stockton, built in 1930, was one of only two "movie palaces" in the Central Valley. Today its 2,042 seats are host to year-round live theatre, musicals, concerts, family events, classic cinema and comedy. The Bob Hope Theatre is listed on the National Register of Historical Places and features a marble mosaic floor that encompasses a 1,200 square foot space in the center of the lobby. This marble was imported from Italy and the mosaic was designed by a Canadian artist. The Theatre also features a 1928 Robert Morton theater organ, which came from the Seattle Fox Theatre which closed over 40 years ago. This organ was restored and donated to the theatre by The Friends of the Fox, a volunteer organization that has been instrumental in preserving the theatre. The theatre opened on October 14, 1930 and it is one of the most grandiose events in the region. Approximately 20,000 people attend the celebration, including some of the most famous stars of the time. Opening acts include the latest "talkie" movies and comedy skits. The Fox is the largest vaudeville house in California, with 2,170 seats. The theatre is also one of the safest buildings of the time, built entirely with cement and steel, with the ability to evacuate guests within two minutes. One of the jewels of the theatre is the $40,000 (in 1930) three manual Wurlitzer pipe organ with twin pipe lofts. Ticket prices are 50 cents for general admission and 65 cents for box seats. In January 2002, the theater was closed for major renovation. It reopened in 2004. This book, written and produced by the Friends of the Fox, has many, many historic photos.

Edition details

• Publisher: Friends of the Fox
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0977055205
• ISBN 13: 9780977055203
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 136